“Our society strives to avoid any possibility of offending anyone -except God.” – Billy Graham

“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.  Luke 1:38 NIV 

After hearing the news that she was favored, Mary was assured that no word from God would fail, the Holy Spirit would come upon her through her womb, and the Messiah would be born; she responded, “I am the Lord’s servant.” Divine pause accepted. 

My grandmother’s refrigerator contained many products ready to be made into something delicious. Few of the commodities were in plastic containers or ready-to-serve. She would select the appropriate in-season ingredients and proceed to chop, boil, roast, bake, saute, fry, blend, poach, and zest, preparing a meal. Cooking fosters a connection between the cook, food, and the diner. Today, it is a completely different world. We no longer wait to delight in gastronomic pleasures. Ready-made meals help with dinner-time schedules, and Uber Eats delivers fast and furious. Perhaps we have lost the wonder of interlude in our lives. 

When it comes to the complete picture of what God is doing in our lives, we all want the god of Uber Eats to answer: Make the request and same-hour delivery to the heart. The older I get, the more I realize our faith story resembles Grandma’s meal preparation. There will be an interlude and a season for everything. 

Mary’s submission is glorious: “Whatever God says, I accept.” There is rest in going deeper in this season of waiting, at the table and The Table. 

Prayer: 

 Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him, remembering our help is in the Name of the Lord, the maker of Heaven and Earth. I am content today because You are already meeting our needs for tomorrow. Amen ( from Psalm 37, 124)